IMSA Performance Matmut #76 excluded from Monza race results

The IMSA Performance Matmut Porsche #76 that won the Le Mans Series 1000km of Monza earlier today was excluded after it was found to be non-compliant with the existing Le Mans Series regulations.

Several hours after the race had ended the technical scrutineers found the car in breach of article 5.4.3f of the 2008 spefications of the ACO. This meant that (a part of) the airbox did not comply to the regulations.

As a result the race winning Porsche was excluded from the race, handing over the victory to the Farnbacher Racing Porsche 997 GT3 RSR . The Farnbacher Ferrari 430 GT2 that crossed the line in third place is promoted to second place with the #99 JMB Racing Ferrari 430 GT2 now in third place.

The French squad will be able to appeal the decision by the stewards, at a cost of € 3,000.

ACO TECHNICAL REGULATIONS 2008 – « LE MANS » “LM”GT2

5.4.3 – Air box(es) :

f/ A standard connection “Dash 3 male” is mandatory on the air box for the possible junction of the data recording system of the organizer (see appendix 1).

The diameter of the air outlet must be 2.4 mm (3/32”) minimum. This connection must be :
– Easily accessible ;
– Outside the air flows above the induction trumpets ;
– Preferably facing the air intake(s) ;
– Sealed when the data recording system of the organizer is disconnected ;

Yes, as far as I am informed they failed the stalltest. The other Porsche teams were also wondering, why the IMSA Porsche was 10km/h faster on the straights than the other 997´s. I guess we know now. But I am happy, Lars Erik Nielsen who is a friend of mine, won GT2! ;-)

Actually, it was the Felbemayr Porsche which was 10km/h faster than the others, not IMSA. I don’t know if all Porsches run the same airboxes, but I know that there are 2007 and 2008 spec RSRs and some ’07 cars are with various states of ’08 upgrades. IMSA is ’08 and Farnbacher ’07 with upgrades. I heard somewhere that the disqualification had to do with that ACO data recording thing..